Zooppa Highlights: Jake Stark’s ‘A Mother’s Love’

Filmmaker Highlights: Jake Stark's 'A Mother's Love'

Zooppers are the bloodline of our creative community. We love hearing about all their highlights and the great things they’re cooking up outside of Zooppa (And love sharing them with the rest of the community!)

Today, we want to highlight fellow Zoopper Jake Stark’s new short film, ‘A Mother’s Love’! Jake tells us a bit about what inspired his film, how he made the magic happen, and managing road bumps along the way.

Behind the Scenes of ‘A Mother’s Love’

I love thriller and horror movies. When I was in 8th grade, I saw the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre while at home with the flu (probably not the best combo). I also enjoy stories with twists and turns so I decided I wanted to challenge myself to tell one in around the 5 minute mark.

On this particular film, I only served as executive producer since I was already writing and directing. I chose friends to help me make something that we could be proud of and could pull off with a limited number of resources. I wrote the script with the knowledge that I would be funding this. It had to be a very minimal setup, so I was already thinking of production while in the ideation of the story.

Jake & his friend and Cinematographer, Scott

The team was comprised of people that I already knew. I do a lot of music video work in LA so it was a no-brainer to hire the same people I work with. My producers and my cinematographer Scott did it for free, which I can’t thank them enough for.

A Small Bump in the Road

About 3 days before shooting, the original actress set to play the little girl was no longer able to do it. Her mother decided the content matter was too disturbing. She was recast with my own daughter, who did a wonderful job considering the very short amount of time we had to prepare for it.

About 3 days before shooting the original actress set to play the little girl was no longer able to do it. Her mother decided the content matter was too disturbing. She was recast with my own daughter, who did a wonderful job considering the very short amount of time we had to prepare for it.

At the End of the Day…

Make something story-driven that you’re passionate about. Big budgets are great, but creative freedom is greater.

(And because Zooppa loves to get to know their community members personalitites…) I am an INTP! So not the best at parties. But great for thinking outside the box.